Game on: Esports championships kick off in Calgary

A two-day tournament will see hundreds of Alberta students battle it out for a prize at the school's esports arena.

More than 400 junior and high school students from across Alberta are at Bow Valley College this weekend for the third annual Alberta Esports Championship.

Organizers say the event doubled in size in just one year.

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“So, last year was a new experience for us,” said Katlyn Sproule, community engagement lead in the digital entertainment nexus at Bow Valley College.

“Having hundreds of students here to play esports. And it’s something we’ve been excited to support. And we’ve been growing and working our way to be able to scale to a larger, larger audience. So, this weekend already is a testament to that. We’re seeing like a double in registration of the registrants of the event.”

Teams will compete in popular titles including Rocket League, VALORANT, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate over two days.

“Esports clubs are quickly becoming one of the most popular after-school activities in the province,” said Shadi Hanna, the founder of the Alberta Scholastic Esports League and an esports business management instructor.

“It`s been a labour of love, for sure. And so, we’re really happy just to see it all come together. It’s a ton of stress and work leading up and then you get here and you see the kids out in front and the room is packed and everyone’s buzzing and it’s just such an awesome feeling.”

This is the second straight year Bow Valley College has hosted the event.

The Westwood Trojans from Fort McMurray made the trip to Calgary to participate. The players are competing in Valorant and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.

“I’ve been in esports for three years. So, when we started in Grade 9, at first, I did Lethbridge, so it was a huge event, but there wasn’t as many people wanting to come to the event, there wasn’t much involvement in the community,” said Grade 11 student Fabiyn Ahmed.

“But I think over time, it’s expanded.”

It is the largest tournament held on campus since the college opened its esports arena in September 2024.

“We had one of the biggest strikes in Canadian history in the fall, followed by one of our largest scholastic esports seasons in the winter,” said Hanna.

“What that tells you is, is that teachers, despite everything, have so much to give, and other students have so much to gain from the opportunities presented.”

Matches will take place throughout the day Friday and Saturday, concluding with finals and an awards ceremony on Saturday afternoon.